Shenango road to open for ships revue

SHARON, Pa. -- City police said the Shenango Valley Freeway was expected to reopen around noon today.
The freeway, closed between Stambaugh and Sharpsville avenues June 20 in preparation for the implosion of the Oakland Avenue Viaduct on Saturday, was damaged when the bridge fell to the road despite a 6-foot layer of earth placed for protection.
Work crews have been repairing the damaged section of the road for the past several days and police said final paving was to be completed this morning, and the freeway reopened to one lane of traffic in each direction.
The demolition contractor had pledged to get the freeway open in time for heavy traffic expected to flow into downtown Sharon for the anual Small Ships Revue on the Shenango River, which begins at 6 p.m. with a parade on downtown streets.
The State Street Bridge, where hundreds normally gather, is being closed .